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	<title>blue ridge motorcycle &#8211; Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider</title>
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		<title>A Good Motorcycle Ride &#8211; The Road to Nowhere</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/a-good-motorcycle-ride-the-road-to-nowhere/</link>
				<comments>http://smokymountainrider.com/a-good-motorcycle-ride-the-road-to-nowhere/#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2017 18:24:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Great Smoky Mountains National Park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motorcycle Rides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Carolina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[A Good Motorcycle Ride The Road to Nowhere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blue ridge motorcycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bryson city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good motorcycle ride]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[riding the blue ridge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[road to nowhere]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smoky mountain motorcycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smoky park]]></category>

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				<description><![CDATA[A scenic motorcycle ride on an abandoned road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Road to Nowhere Motorcycle Ride Map Lake View Drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was planned to arc around the north shore of Fontana Lake &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/a-good-motorcycle-ride-the-road-to-nowhere/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-sign-apr-16.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6994" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-sign-apr-16-300x210.jpg" alt="Road to Nowhere Motorcycle Ride" width="300" height="210" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-sign-apr-16-300x210.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-sign-apr-16-768x536.jpg 768w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-sign-apr-16-1024x715.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-sign-apr-16-429x300.jpg 429w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>A scenic motorcycle ride on an abandoned road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.</h2>
<p><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Map.pdf">Road to Nowhere Motorcycle Ride Map</a></p>
<p><strong>Lake View Drive</strong> in <strong>Great Smoky Mountains National Park</strong> was planned to arc around the north shore of <strong>Fontana Lake</strong> to connect to the southern lake loop road (NC 28) at the <strong>Fontana Dam</strong>. The project was abandoned about half way through and has come to be known as <strong>&#8220;The Road to Nowhere&#8221;</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-view-apr-16.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6996" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-view-apr-16-300x200.jpg" alt="Road to Nowhere Motorcycle Ride" width="300" height="200" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-view-apr-16-300x200.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-view-apr-16-768x512.jpg 768w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-view-apr-16-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-view-apr-16-450x300.jpg 450w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>The road starts in <strong>Bryson City, NC</strong> as Everett Street. This is a great motorcycle ride to add to your lunch plans, a nice little side trip. There are a lot of good places to eat in Bryson City. One of them, <strong>The Cork and Bean</strong>, sits at the corner of this route (Everett St. / Main St.) in town.</p>
<p>The road climbs gently from town arcing to the west as <strong>Fontana Road</strong>. Its a section of gentle flowing curves.</p>
<p><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-curves-apr-16.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6997" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-curves-apr-16-300x234.jpg" alt="Road to Nowhere Motorcycle Ride" width="300" height="234" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-curves-apr-16-300x234.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-curves-apr-16-768x600.jpg 768w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-curves-apr-16-1024x800.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-curves-apr-16-384x300.jpg 384w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>There is a sign at the park border. The road gets much tighter and from here on with curve after curve the whole way.</p>
<p>There are a few spots to pull off and get views of the lake.</p>
<p>The road ends at a paved parking loop. A series of brown slats barricade the road beyond.  You can just see the <strong>stone arch tunnel</strong> where the road ends from the turn-around. Hiking only once through the tunnel.</p>
<p><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-end-apr-16.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6999" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-end-apr-16-300x218.jpg" alt="Road to Nowhere end Motorcycle Ride" width="300" height="218" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-end-apr-16-300x218.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-end-apr-16-768x558.jpg 768w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-end-apr-16-1024x744.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-end-apr-16-413x300.jpg 413w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>There are many stories and controversies over this road. Some see it as a boondoggle. The government has yet to compensate for the land. A family cemetery was isolated, the park service periodically ferries them by boat. Regardless, the result is a really curvy ride with some nice views we can enjoy.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s 8.5 miles from town to the end of the road, so you can make it a quick out-and-back ride or stop to savor the views and the wildlife. There are other nice roads nearby if you enjoy exploring the more adventurous back roads including some good unpaved roads.</p>
<p><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-apr-16.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7000" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-apr-16-300x210.jpg" alt="Road to Nowhere Motorcycle Ride" width="300" height="210" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-apr-16-300x210.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-apr-16-768x537.jpg 768w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-apr-16-1024x716.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road-to-Nowhere-Jackie-apr-16-429x300.jpg 429w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>You&#8217;ll find this road on map #7,Map #8, Map 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains, and others from America Rides Maps. There are more great motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains than anywhere else &#8211; find them here;</p>
<h1><a href="http://americaridesmaps.com">AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></h1>
<hr />
<p><strong>Wayne Busch</strong> &#8211; <strong>America Rides Maps<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5731" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Wayne Busch searches out the most entertaining roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains then records them on a series of maps which span the Blue Ridge Mountains.</em></strong></p>
<p>There are more great motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains than anywhere else. I highlight the best roads then show you the best ways to connect them together into rides. More than a decade of searching has discovered more than 1000 good roads to enjoy. We continue to search so you may enjoy.</p>
<p><strong>Review the maps, order online here</strong> &#8211; <strong><a href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com">AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></strong></p>
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		<title>Motorcycle Friendly &#8211; Still Mountain Restaurant, Hot Springs, NC</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/motorcycle-friendly-mountain-restaurant-hot-springs-nc/</link>
				<comments>http://smokymountainrider.com/motorcycle-friendly-mountain-restaurant-hot-springs-nc/#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2014 11:37:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Asheville]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hot Springs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maggie Valley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Carolina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smoky mountains]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waynesville]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whitewater Rafting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[209]]></category>
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				<description><![CDATA[Motorcycle Friendly &#8211; Still Mountain Restaurant, Hot Springs, NC UPDATE &#8211; This Restaurant has closed. On a classic &#8220;lunch run&#8221; ride here&#8217;s one option for the lunch stop. One of the nicest motorcycle rides you&#8217;ll do in the Smoky Mountain &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/motorcycle-friendly-mountain-restaurant-hot-springs-nc/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Motorcycle Friendly &#8211; Still Mountain Restaurant, Hot Springs, NC</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>UPDATE &#8211;</strong> </span>This Restaurant has closed.</p>
<p><em>On a classic &#8220;lunch run&#8221; ride here&#8217;s one option for the lunch stop.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_6854" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-exterior-w-bike.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6854" class="size-full wp-image-6854" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-exterior-w-bike.jpg" alt="Still Mountain Restaurant, Hot Springs" width="800" height="531" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-exterior-w-bike.jpg 800w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-exterior-w-bike-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-exterior-w-bike-451x300.jpg 451w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-6854" class="wp-caption-text">Motorcycle friendly Still Mountain Restaurant, Hot Springs, NC.</p></div>
<p>One of the nicest motorcycle rides you&#8217;ll do in the Smoky Mountain area of North Carolina and Tennessee is <strong><a title="More info, map" href="http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=4295" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NC 209, a.k.a &#8220;The Rattler&#8221;</a></strong>. This 30+ mile ride through the mountains and valleys of North Carolina runs from Junaluska (Maggie Valley, Waynesville) to Hot Springs. Scenic, challenging, historic, it makes for a nice &#8220;lunch run&#8221; as an out-and-back ride or the first leg of numerous loop rides you can build with other great connecting roads.</p>
<div id="attachment_6856" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-Mtn-Rest-Wayne.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6856" class="size-full wp-image-6856" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-Mtn-Rest-Wayne.jpg" alt="Motorcycle Friendly Still Mountain Restaurant" width="800" height="600" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-Mtn-Rest-Wayne.jpg 800w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-Mtn-Rest-Wayne-300x225.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-Mtn-Rest-Wayne-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-6856" class="wp-caption-text">Motorcycle Friendly Still Mountain Restaurant &#8211; you can&#8217;t miss it in tiny Hot Springs.</p></div>
<p>Hot Springs is one of the many historic little mountain towns that dot the landscape. Once  an important stop on the Knoxville, TN to Asheville, NC corridor, it is mostly forgotten now that the Interstate bypasses it to the west. It&#8217;s a pass-through town on the Appalachian Trail, a popular place for whitewater rafting, and there are natural hot springs where you can go soak your keister for a few bucks. On weekends, it&#8217;s a gathering spot for the bikers who flock to ride the outstanding motorcycle roads in the surrounding region.</p>
<div id="attachment_6858" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-Jackie.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6858" class="size-full wp-image-6858" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-Jackie.jpg" alt="Motorcycle Friendly Still Mountain Restaurant" width="800" height="600" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-Jackie.jpg 800w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-Jackie-300x225.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-Jackie-400x300.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-6858" class="wp-caption-text">Motorcycle Friendly Still Mountain Restaurant &#8211; a big comfortable porch, tasty food, and live music on this day.</p></div>
<p>Comfortable, easy to find, and with tasty food, the Still Mountain Restaurant is usually full of bikers though the occasional Appalachian Trail hiker drops in for some civilized fare on their 1500 mile walk in the wilds. You&#8217;ll feel right at home here.</p>
<div id="attachment_6860" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-food.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6860" class="size-full wp-image-6860" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-food.jpg" alt="Biker Friendly Still Mountain Restaurant" width="600" height="800" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-food.jpg 600w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Still-mtn-rest-food-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-6860" class="wp-caption-text">Biker Friendly Still Mountain Restaurant &#8211; Thumbs up!</p></div>
<p>You&#8217;ll find NC 209 and another 50+ great rides in the area on <strong><a title="Best Motorcycle Roads East of Smoky Park" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/6-The-Best-Motorcycle-Rides-Near-Smoky-Mountains-Park-EAST-NC017.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">America Rides Motorcycle Pocket maps #6</a></strong> as well as the <strong><a title="see 100 rides map" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/100-Great-Motorcycle-Rides-in-the-Smoky-Mountains-SM100F.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains</a>.</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_4597" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NC-209-map.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4597" class="size-large wp-image-4597" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NC-209-map-759x1024.jpg" alt="Great Motorcycle Rides in North Carolina - NC 209, a.k.a. &quot;The Rattler&quot;." width="584" height="787" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NC-209-map-759x1024.jpg 759w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NC-209-map-222x300.jpg 222w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NC-209-map.jpg 890w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4597" class="wp-caption-text">Great Motorcycle Rides in North Carolina &#8211; NC 209, a.k.a. &#8220;The Rattler&#8221;. Do it as an out-and-back or make a nice loop ride &#8211; one of many ways to go on this great biker road</p></div>
<p><a title="More info about this ride" href="http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=4295" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">More Rattler info here</a></p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
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		<title>Great Blue Ridge Mountain Motorcycle Rides I found this Year</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/great-blue-ridge-mountain-motorcycle-rides-year/</link>
				<comments>http://smokymountainrider.com/great-blue-ridge-mountain-motorcycle-rides-year/#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:39:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Adventure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asheville]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motorcycle Rides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Carolina]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[best motorcycle rides]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[mountain motorcycle]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[riding in the mountains]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[riding the blue ridge parkway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[saluda motorcycle]]></category>
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				<description><![CDATA[Great Blue Ridge Mountain Motorcycle Rides I found this Year &#8211; Saluda, Columbus, and the edge of South Carolina In my constant search for the best motorcycle rides in the Blue Ridge mountains, this year I expanded one of my &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/great-blue-ridge-mountain-motorcycle-rides-year/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Great Blue Ridge Mountain Motorcycle Rides I found this Year</h3>
<p><strong><em>&#8211; Saluda, Columbus, and the edge of South Carolina</em></strong></p>
<div id="attachment_5797" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-s.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5797" class="size-large wp-image-5797" alt="Blue Ridge Motorcycle Rides - Whiteoak Mountain Road" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-s-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-s-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-s-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-s-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-s.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5797" class="wp-caption-text">Nearing the top of Whiteoak Mountain Road near Columbus, NC. View into South Carolina and the flat lands. I-26 cuts through the Green River Gorge here.</p></div>
<p>In my constant search for the <a title="Hundreds of great rides" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">best motorcycle rides in the Blue Ridge mountains</a>, this year I expanded one of my <a title="motorcycle ride maps" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">motorcycle ride maps</a> further south and discovered some of the nicest biker roads at the <strong>North-South Carolina border</strong>.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s an easy area to reach as <strong>I-26</strong> south of <strong>Asheville</strong> cuts through the heart of it. For those approaching the <strong>Blue Ridge Mountains</strong> from <strong>Charlotte, NC</strong> or <strong>Spartanburg</strong> and <strong>Greenville, SC</strong>, both <strong>I-26</strong> and <strong>US 25</strong> funnel through this gap in the mountains converging near the small mountain town of <strong>Saluda, NC.</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_5800" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-1.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5800" class="size-large wp-image-5800" alt="Good motorcycle rides Saluda, NC" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-1-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-1-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-1-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-1-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5800" class="wp-caption-text">Saluda is a small rail side town that sits atop one of the steepest railroad grades in the east, the Saluda Grade.</p></div>
<p><strong>Saluda</strong> is a historic little trackside mountain town. There are few nice nice victorian-era homes, old churches, ice cream, a couple spots to get a bite, touristy small town stuff on Main Street.  I&#8217;ve eaten at the <a title="Purple Onion info" href="http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Purple Onion Cafe</a> a couple times in Saluda, it&#8217;s very good but can be crowded on those sweet summer Saturdays. Good place for a coffee break, some ice cream, or a lunch stop.</p>
<div id="attachment_5804" style="width: 811px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-map.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5804" class="size-full wp-image-5804" alt="Saluda motorcycle rides map" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-map.jpg" width="801" height="400" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-map.jpg 801w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-map-300x149.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Saluda-map-500x249.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5804" class="wp-caption-text">Section of America Rides Maps #5 &#8220;Best Roads North &amp; South of Asheville&#8221; shows a lot of nice rides around Saluda, NC.</p></div>
<p>Section of <a title="See more about this map" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/5-The-Best-Rides-North-and-South-of-Asheville-NC-NC005.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">motorcycle ride map #5, <strong>&#8220;The Best Roads North &amp; South of Asheville, NC&#8221;</strong></a>. Best roads shown in red, good connecting roads in blue.</p>
<div id="attachment_5494" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5494" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-5494" alt="Map #5 - The Best Roads North and South of Asheville, NC" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom-290x288.jpg 290w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5494" class="wp-caption-text"><a title="see more" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/5-The-Best-Rides-North-and-South-of-Asheville-NC-NC005.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Map #5 &#8211; The Best Roads North and South of Asheville, NC</a></p></div>
<p><strong>You can&#8217;t take a bad road out of Saluda.</strong> <strong>US 176</strong> runs through town as <strong>Main Street</strong>. It&#8217;s a good road to ride north, a gentle and curvy climb to <strong>Flat Rock</strong>. The ride is even nicer going south to <strong>Tryon</strong>, but not below it.  Leaving the middle of <strong>downtown Saluda</strong> as <strong>Greenville Street</strong>, it crosses the railroad tracks in the heart of town to take you west as <strong>Saluda Road</strong> through the forest to intersect <strong>Old US 25,</strong> another pleasant ride. If you head east from town, <strong>Holbert Cove Road</strong> winds through the gorge to reach <strong>Silver Creek Road</strong> or loop back through the tight switchbacks on <strong>Green River Cove Road</strong>.</p>
<div id="attachment_5802" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-n.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5802" class="size-large wp-image-5802" alt="Looking north from the top of Whiteoak Mountan near Columbus, NC towards Lake Lure and Asheville. " src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-n-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-n-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-n-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-n-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Whiteoak-Mtn-view-n.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5802" class="wp-caption-text">Looking north from the top of Whiteoak Mountan near Columbus, NC towards Lake Lure and Asheville.</p></div>
<p>Once you get north of <strong>Saluda</strong> and through the <strong>Green River Gorge</strong> you hit the congestion of <strong>Hendersonville</strong> which continues north into <strong>Asheville</strong>. Get on the good back roads sooner and leave the highway near <strong>Saluda</strong>. You can work northeast to <strong>Lake Lure</strong> or skirt southwest of <strong>Hendersonville</strong> on some excellent back roads both scenic and challenging away from the traffic.</p>
<p><strong>Caution</strong> &#8211; The loop ride north of <strong>Columbus</strong> on <strong>Whiteoak Mountain Road  / Skyuka Mountain</strong> roads is steep and has some of the tightest switchback turns you&#8217;ll find. No place for the inexperienced rider, hesitation or doubt will get you in trouble.</p>
<p>_______________________________________________________________________</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/santa1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3534" alt="Santa - great gift idea" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/santa1.jpg" width="67" height="111" /></a><em><strong>Maps make great holiday gifts! </strong>Riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains is made so easy with these detailed ride maps. Give the gift that pays back with the thrills of riding some of the most beautiful and challenging roads in the nation!</em></p>
<p><strong>See the maps here -&gt; <a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">America Rides Maps</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeMotorcycleRides"><img class="size-full wp-image-5818 alignright" alt="Facebook" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/facebookicon.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a></p>
<p>If you enjoy <strong>photos of motorcycle riding in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains</strong>, like <a title="America Rides Maps Facebook Page" href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeMotorcycleRides" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MY BLUE RIDGE MOTORCYCLING FACEBOOK PAGE</a>.<br />
____________________________________________________________________</p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/dress-winter-motorcycle-riding-blue-ridge/</link>
				<comments>http://smokymountainrider.com/dress-winter-motorcycle-riding-blue-ridge/#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2013 23:09:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Comment, Opinion, Etc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gear reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Winter Riding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[america rides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[becoming a better rider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blue ridge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blue ridge motorcycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blue ridge parkway motorcycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cold weather riding tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dress for the ride]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dress for winter motorcycle riding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[motorcycle safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[riding tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smoky mountain motorcycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter motorcycle rides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter riding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[year round motorcycle]]></category>

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				<description><![CDATA[How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge Don’t let the cold weather put an end to your motorcycle riding season. If you dress well for it, winter riding can be comfortable and fun even here in &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/dress-winter-motorcycle-riding-blue-ridge/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2></h2>
<h2>How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge</h2>
<div id="attachment_5777" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-winter-bmw-graveyard.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5777" class="size-large wp-image-5777" alt="How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-winter-bmw-graveyard-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-winter-bmw-graveyard-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-winter-bmw-graveyard-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-winter-bmw-graveyard-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-winter-bmw-graveyard.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5777" class="wp-caption-text">How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge &#8211; Clear skies, great views, low traffic are some of the rewards of winter riding. Dress right and it&#8217;s no big deal.</p></div>
<p><strong>Don’t let the cold weather put an end to your motorcycle riding season.</strong> If you dress well for it, winter riding can be comfortable and fun even here in the mountains. It&#8217;s not all snow and ice all the time here in the Smokies. Even the highest sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway stay open for most of the winter. Here are some of my personal tips on dressing for winter motorcycle riding in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, what works best for me.</p>
<p><strong>Dress to adapt to the changing temperature.</strong> Often winter days start out very cold then get milder once the sun is high. Bundle up for the chilly start then simply zip your jacket open and loosen the seals at the wrists a bit once it warms. Using vents keeps you from having to stop and peel off layers.</p>
<div id="attachment_1654" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/snowy-US-276-12-17-10.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1654" class="size-full wp-image-1654" alt="How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/snowy-US-276-12-17-10.jpg" width="800" height="531" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/snowy-US-276-12-17-10.jpg 800w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/snowy-US-276-12-17-10-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/snowy-US-276-12-17-10-170x112.jpg 170w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1654" class="wp-caption-text">How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge &#8211; With the right clothes, you can ride all day in conditions like this and never be cold.</p></div>
<p><strong>Cinch and Seal</strong> &#8211; Before you head out, close all the vents on your jacket. Cinch wrists, ankles, and neck to keep out drafts and seal the warm air in. Snug up any adjustment straps on your jacket to trap warm air better.</p>
<p><strong>A full face helmet is warmer</strong> &#8211; a balaclava or thin hoodie under the helmet helps when it’s really cold. Manage fogging by cracking the visor just the right amount, flipping it up at stops. Lifting your chin increases air flow, it sometimes works. Eventually your helmet temp equilibrates until you come to a stop again, etc. Fogging problems usually go away as the day gets warmer. Keep visors clean.</p>
<p><strong>Get “Expedition weight” long underwear</strong> &#8211; go for the warmest, the best quality. You don’t want big seams, buttons and flaps, keep it simple and comfortable.</p>
<div id="attachment_5264" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cherohala-stoplight.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5264" class="size-large wp-image-5264" alt="Landslide on the Cherohala Skyway last year. It was a gorgeous day in February. " src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cherohala-stoplight-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cherohala-stoplight-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cherohala-stoplight-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cherohala-stoplight-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Cherohala-stoplight.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5264" class="wp-caption-text">Landslide on the Cherohala Skyway last February. It was a gorgeous day, don&#8217;t pass up these great opportunities to enjoy winter on your motorcycle.</p></div>
<p><strong>Seal your inner layer &#8211;</strong> make your outer shirt a windblock layer that extends up your neck to the chin, and have a zipper so you can vent it. It&#8217;ll hold heat better and a zipper lets you vent when it warms.</p>
<p><strong>Put the linings back in</strong> &#8211; If you took those quilted linings out of your jacket and pants for the summer, put them back in, as well as any waterproof or wind blocking linings.</p>
<p><strong>2 socks, 2 gloves</strong> &#8211; Start with a warm thinner sock, then add a heavy duty second sock that extends up to your calf. Thin glove liners add heat under a good lined gauntlet style outer glove.</p>
<div id="attachment_5779" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-late-fall-1-bike.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5779" class="size-large wp-image-5779" alt="How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-late-fall-1-bike-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-late-fall-1-bike-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-late-fall-1-bike-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-late-fall-1-bike-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/BRP-late-fall-1-bike.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5779" class="wp-caption-text">How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge &#8211; you can see so much more in winter when the leaves rare off the trees. It&#8217;s a new landscape to enjoy.</p></div>
<p><strong>If you ultimately decide you enjoy year round motorcycle riding</strong>, heated electric gear is the way to go. It’s a big expense, but it lasts for many years. Go all the way and get dual controllers &#8211; you’ll want your exposed gloves warmer than your covered vest.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>There is one thing you can do to help keep your motorcycle running or stored during the winter months &#8211; install a battery tender. It’s as simple as adding a couple wires to your battery terminals for the plug/connector, or if the bike is put up for the winter, just attaching a couple clamps to the battery terminals. Cold weather kills batteries, a battery tender will kept it alive and fresh and extend it’s life for many years. </em></p>
<div id="attachment_1651" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/whitesides-mountain-nc-12-17-10.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1651" class="size-full wp-image-1651" alt="Photo-Whitesides-mountain-nc-motorcycle-by-frozen-lake" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/whitesides-mountain-nc-12-17-10.jpg" width="800" height="531" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/whitesides-mountain-nc-12-17-10.jpg 800w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/whitesides-mountain-nc-12-17-10-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/whitesides-mountain-nc-12-17-10-170x112.jpg 170w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1651" class="wp-caption-text">How I Dress for Winter Motorcycle Riding in the Blue Ridge &#8211; A minute after this photo was taken my bike lay on its side and I couldn&#8217;t pick it up on the ice. Read about it here &#8211; <a title="Read here" href="http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=1650" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=1650</a> &#8211;</p></div>
<p><a title="Read about when I got trapped on the ice" href="http://http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=1650" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=1650</a></p>
<p><strong>Got a winter riding question or tip to share?</strong></p>
<p>If you enjoy photos of motorcycle riding in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, like <a title="America Rides Maps Facebook Page" href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeMotorcycleRides" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MY BLUE RIDGE MOTORCYCLING FACEBOOK PAGE</a>.<br />
____________________________________________________________________</p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________</p>
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		<title>Blue Ridge Parkway Detour Route for Motorcycles &#8211; July, 2013</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/blue-ridge-parkway-detour-route-motorcycles-july-2013/</link>
				<comments>http://smokymountainrider.com/blue-ridge-parkway-detour-route-motorcycles-july-2013/#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:32:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
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				<description><![CDATA[Blue Ridge Parkway Detour Route for Motorcycles &#8211; July, 2013 A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, NC has closed due to a recent slope failure. Unprecedented rainfall in the region has triggered numerous slides, washed out &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/blue-ridge-parkway-detour-route-motorcycles-july-2013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>Blue Ridge Parkway Detour Route for Motorcycles &#8211; July, 2013</strong></h1>
<p><strong>A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, NC has closed due to a recent slope failure.</strong> Unprecedented rainfall in the region has triggered numerous slides, washed out roads and bridges, and caused some flooding in areas. The National Park Service detour routes traffic south and east of this long closed section of the parkway using US 221 through Marion, NC.</p>
<div id="attachment_5498" style="width: 586px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BRP-crack-in-road.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5498" class="size-full wp-image-5498" alt="Photo courtesy National Park Service - Blue Ridge Parkway crack in road" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BRP-crack-in-road.jpg" width="576" height="768" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BRP-crack-in-road.jpg 576w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BRP-crack-in-road-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5498" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy National Park Service &#8211; Blue Ridge Parkway crack in road at site of slope failure.</p></div>
<p>Usually, <strong>there is a better route than the &#8220;official Park Service Route&#8221;</strong>, as the park needs to factor in for the large RV&#8217;s which cannot easily negotiate steep climbs and sharp turns. Here is a <strong>map which highlights the most pleasant way for the motorcycle traveler to bypass the closed section of the Blue Ridge Parkway</strong>. It is also the most direct route so you miss as little as possible.</p>
<div id="attachment_5489" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/800-Parkway-detour-map-2013.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5489" class="size-full wp-image-5489" alt="Blue Ridge Parkway detour map 2013" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/800-Parkway-detour-map-2013.jpg" width="800" height="582" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/800-Parkway-detour-map-2013.jpg 800w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/800-Parkway-detour-map-2013-300x218.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/800-Parkway-detour-map-2013-412x300.jpg 412w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5489" class="wp-caption-text">Blue Ridge Parkway detour map 2013</p></div>
<p>Use this link to a .pdf file of the map here to <strong>download or print it for free;</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a title="go to map" href="http://smokymountainrider.com/Downloads/Parkway-detour-map-2013.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://smokymountainrider.com/Downloads/Parkway-detour-map-2013.pdf</a></strong></span></p>
<div id="attachment_5494" style="width: 227px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5494" class="size-medium wp-image-5494" alt="Map #5 - The Best Roads North and South of Asheville, NC" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom-217x300.jpg" width="217" height="300" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom-217x300.jpg 217w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/5-Asheville-map-cover-zoom.jpg 290w" sizes="(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5494" class="wp-caption-text">Map #5 &#8211; The Best Roads North and South of Asheville, NC</p></div>
<p>This road closure occurs on <a title="Buy / see more of this map here" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/5-The-Best-Rides-North-and-South-of-Asheville-NC-NC005.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">America Rides Maps Motorcycle Pocket Map #5 &#8211; &#8220;The Best Roads North and South of Asheville, NC&#8221;</a>.  A section of Map #5 with the better detour route is highlighted. You&#8217;ll also see there are several other ways to go &#8211;  the red roads are best if you have the time.</p>
<p><strong><a title="Visit the map store" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/Bundles-and-Packages_c2.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">America Rides Motorcycle Pocket Maps</a> </strong>catalogue several hundred of the best motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains from north Georgia to north Virginia so you get the most out of your visits. Great rides are linked together with the best connecting roads to keep you rolling on the most enjoyable 2 lane back roads you&#8217;ll find anywhere.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a title="Map store" href="http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/Bundles-and-Packages_c2.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get your maps here</a></strong></span><br />
<em id="__mceDel">____________________________________________________________________</em></p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<div id="attachment_3356" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3356" class="size-full wp-image-3356 " title="TRT_Logox150" alt="Total Rider Tech Logo" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg" width="150" height="43" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3356" class="wp-caption-text">Learn Total Control</p></div>
<p>Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a> teaching <a title="Learn more about Total Control" href="http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses</a>. Isn&#8217;t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience.  <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a></p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________</p>
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		<title>Tips for Riding the Dragon on your Motorcycle &#8211; #5 Dance</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle-5/</link>
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				<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 2013 22:11:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
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				<description><![CDATA[5) Relax and enjoy it &#8211; do the Dragon Dance Relax &#8211; don&#8217;t ride scared. Don&#8217;t push beyond fun. While it&#8217;s OK to feel the thrill, if you&#8217;re not relaxed, you are compromising the function of your motorcycle. Worse yet, you may &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle-5/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>5) Relax and enjoy it &#8211; do the Dragon Dance</strong></p>
<p><strong>Relax &#8211; don&#8217;t ride scared.</strong> Don&#8217;t push beyond fun. While it&#8217;s OK to feel the thrill, if you&#8217;re not relaxed, you are compromising the function of your motorcycle. Worse yet, you may be on the verge of panic when you slip out of your comfort zone. Everything you do when you panic makes the situation worse &#8211; you tense up, sit up, roll off the throttle, and hit the brakes, all of which makes the motorcycle stand up go in a straight line while reducing traction. There are no straight lines in the Dragons&#8217; corners.</p>
<div id="attachment_5458" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragon-3-bikes-line.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5458" class="size-large wp-image-5458" alt="Sport Bikes on the Dragon" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragon-3-bikes-line-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragon-3-bikes-line-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragon-3-bikes-line-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragon-3-bikes-line-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragon-3-bikes-line.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5458" class="wp-caption-text">Control the corners &#8211; slow in, fast out.</p></div>
<p><strong>The right attitude is to dance with the Dragon, not fight with it.</strong> Find a pace where you flow into the curves in control with a little in reserve. It&#8217;s supposed to be fun. If it&#8217;s not, you&#8217;re doing it wrong. Seek out that rhythm where you are rolling into the curves at a speed where where you&#8217;re getting on the throttle as soon as possible, not the brakes. Gently power through them and you&#8217;ll find you have more ground clearance and better traction. Strive for a slow approach to the corners, gently power through, and you&#8217;ll end up with a smooth quick controlled exit AND a margin for error or the unexpected.</p>
<p><em id="__mceDel">____________________________________________________________________</em></p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<div id="attachment_3356" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3356" class="size-full wp-image-3356 " title="TRT_Logox150" alt="Total Rider Tech Logo" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg" width="150" height="43" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3356" class="wp-caption-text">Learn Total Control</p></div>
<p>Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a> teaching <a title="Learn more about Total Control" href="http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses</a>. Isn&#8217;t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience.  <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a></p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Tips for Riding the Dragon on your Motorcycle &#8211; #4 Da Bike</title>
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				<pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2013 23:24:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
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				<description><![CDATA[4)  Ride the Bike you Brought You can have a good time riding the Dragon on any bike you can ride there. If you&#8217;ve ridden there, you&#8217;ve got the basic skills to ride the road. In fact, you&#8217;ve already hit &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle-4/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>4)  Ride the Bike you Brought</strong></p>
<p><strong>You can have a good time riding the Dragon on any bike you can ride there.</strong> If you&#8217;ve ridden there, you&#8217;ve got the basic skills to ride the road. In fact, you&#8217;ve already hit some decent curves on the way. So what makes the Dragon such a challenge? You do &#8211; it&#8217;s all about how you ride it. But&#8230;</p>
<div id="attachment_5449" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-scooter.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5449" class="size-large wp-image-5449" alt="A scooter on the Dragon " src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-scooter-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-scooter-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-scooter-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-scooter-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-scooter.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5449" class="wp-caption-text">A scooter on the Dragon &#8211; a fun ride regardless what you brought.</p></div>
<p><strong>The Dragon will not magically transform your behemoth cruiser into a Moto GP race bike.</strong> It will not make the mass of your passenger disappear. You will not miraculously find the ground clearance you never had before. If you&#8217;re dragging hard parts through every corner, hard on the brakes coming into each turn, you&#8217;re doing it wrong and it&#8217;s just a matter of time before the Dragon bites.</p>
<div id="attachment_5442" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-Chopper.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5442" class="size-large wp-image-5442" alt="Chopper on the Dragon" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-Chopper-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-Chopper-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-Chopper-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-Chopper-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-Chopper.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5442" class="wp-caption-text">Ride the bike you brought as it was built to be ridden.</p></div>
<p>Riding the Dragon well comes down to skill and technique regardless of the bike. Strive to be smooth, relaxed, and in control.<br />
____________________________________________________________________</p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<div id="attachment_3356" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3356" class="size-full wp-image-3356 " title="TRT_Logox150" alt="Total Rider Tech Logo" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg" width="150" height="43" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3356" class="wp-caption-text">Learn Total Control</p></div>
<p>Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a> teaching <a title="Learn more about Total Control" href="http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses</a>. Isn&#8217;t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience.  <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a></p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________</p>
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		<title>Tips for Riding the Dragon on Your Motorcycle &#8211; #3 Consequences</title>
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				<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:22:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Deals Gap]]></category>
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				<description><![CDATA[3) Recognize the Consequences Before you grab that handful of throttle and screech out of the parking lot to prove your manhood, consider the consequences if your motorcycle ride on the Dragon doesn&#8217;t go as well as planned. While surprisingly few &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle-3/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>3) Recognize the Consequences</strong></p>
<p>Before you grab that handful of throttle and screech out of the parking lot to prove your manhood, consider the consequences if your motorcycle ride on the Dragon doesn&#8217;t go as well as planned. While surprisingly few accidents on the Dragon are fatal, <strong>be aware, it&#8217;s a long way to the nearest hospital and an expensive trip to get you there if it&#8217;s needed.</strong> Deals Gap is a remote and isolated area. If you need help, it will likely be an hour before it arrives. That&#8217;s a long time to be hurt, broken, or worse yet bleeding.</p>
<div id="attachment_3614" style="width: 586px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/motorcycle-crash-2.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3614" class="size-full wp-image-3614" alt="Photo-motorcycle crash" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/motorcycle-crash-2.jpg" width="576" height="386" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/motorcycle-crash-2.jpg 576w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/motorcycle-crash-2-300x201.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/motorcycle-crash-2-170x113.jpg 170w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3614" class="wp-caption-text">Rescues at the Dragon are neither easy nor quick.</p></div>
<p><strong>Maybe, you low side into an embankment as you blow a turn.</strong> With luck, you miss a rocky face and slide into the hard and stoney dirt. With the right armor, gear, and luck, you walk away. Maybe your bike is rideable to the repair shop, or maybe they winch it up onto a flatbed on it&#8217;s side compounding the damage and expense. The &#8220;Tree of Shame&#8221; at the <a title="Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort" href="http://dealsgap.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort</a> is hung with the detritus of years of accidents, some quite serious. It&#8217;s no badge of honor to add your own.</p>
<p><strong>Kiss your bike goodbye if you go off the sharp edge of the road, it&#8217;s most likely totaled.</strong> There are no soft and forgiving run-offs into the grass. The terrain is steep, the drops are long, and the mass of a moving bike carries it a long way as it caroms off trees and rocks on the cartwheeling tumble down into the dense woods. If it&#8217;s not totaled going down, it will be when the tow truck drags it back up with a long cable.</p>
<div id="attachment_5427" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-crossing-line.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5427" class="size-large wp-image-5427" alt="Motorcycle crosses double yellow at the Dragon" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-crossing-line-680x1024.jpg" width="584" height="879" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-crossing-line-680x1024.jpg 680w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-crossing-line-199x300.jpg 199w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-crossing-line.jpg 797w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5427" class="wp-caption-text">Crossing the double yellow is more common than you&#8217;d think &#8211; don&#8217;t be tempted</p></div>
<p><strong>Worst case you meet another vehicle.</strong> Crossing the yellow lines is deadly. While there are times when visibility is good and you may feel it&#8217;s safe to cut that corner and straighten out the curves, don&#8217;t do it. It&#8217;s the #1 way to meet a law enforcement official, they do not tolerate it with good reason. Big brother has been known to station observers in the woods with cameras and radios. Live by the rule &#8220;Never cross the Double Yellow Line&#8221;.</p>
<div id="attachment_5428" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cops-on-the-dragon.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5428" class="size-large wp-image-5428" alt="Traffic enforcement at the Dragon at Deals Gap" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cops-on-the-dragon-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cops-on-the-dragon-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cops-on-the-dragon-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cops-on-the-dragon-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Cops-on-the-dragon.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5428" class="wp-caption-text">The police are there to keep things sane. Maintain control and you&#8217;ll be fine. Cross the double yellow, and you will get personal attention.</p></div>
<p><strong>Worse yet are those who stray across the line unintentionally.</strong> If it happens to you, you find yourself across the yellow line despite your efforts, you deserve a time out and a penalty break. Pull off and settle down at the next paved spot and take time to contemplate your mortality. You were riding beyond your limits, and fortunately this time you can tell the tale. Adjust your mind and ease off when you get back on the road. When the Dragon bites, it&#8217;s serious.<br />
____________________________________________________________________</p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<div id="attachment_3356" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3356" class="size-full wp-image-3356 " title="TRT_Logox150" alt="Total Rider Tech Logo" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg" width="150" height="43" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3356" class="wp-caption-text">Learn Total Control</p></div>
<p>Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a> teaching <a title="Learn more about Total Control" href="http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses</a>. Isn&#8217;t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience.  <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a></p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Tips for Riding the Dragon on your Motorcycle &#8211; #2 Recon</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle-2/</link>
				<comments>http://smokymountainrider.com/tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle-2/#respond</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 23:27:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Deals Gap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Carolina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tail of the Dragon]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[best motorcycle maps]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[blue ridge motorcycle]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=5384</guid>
				<description><![CDATA[2) Pre-ride the Road Racers walk the track before they ride it to identify lines, note the subtle nuances, study the surface, and make mental plans on how to best approach each corner. While that&#8217;s not practical at the Dragon, it&#8217;s a &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>2) <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;">Pre-ride the Road</span></span></strong></p>
<p>Racers walk the track before they ride it to identify lines, note the subtle nuances, study the surface, and make mental plans on how to best approach each corner. While that&#8217;s not practical at the Dragon, <strong>it&#8217;s a fools venture to just roll out of the parking lot and get on the throttle.</strong> While you&#8217;re not going to memorize every turn on a slow ride through, you&#8217;ll get some idea of what to expect should you decide to come at it with more vigor. You may discover the 30 mph speed limit is way above what you can safely carry through many of the hairpin curves, especially the ones that unexpectedly close down on you and tighten up.</p>
<div id="attachment_5418" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dragon-4-bikes.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5418" class="size-large wp-image-5418" alt="Motorcycles on the Draon" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dragon-4-bikes-680x1024.jpg" width="584" height="879" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dragon-4-bikes-680x1024.jpg 680w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dragon-4-bikes-199x300.jpg 199w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dragon-4-bikes.jpg 797w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5418" class="wp-caption-text">Take some time to judge the conditions &#8211; you&#8217;ll be better prepared for what lies ahead</p></div>
<p><strong>Use the pre-ride to judge the conditions that day and adjust to them.</strong> Note the traffic, how the riders and drivers are behaving. Get a feel for the condition of the road &#8211; is there debris from a recent storm, are the shady spots wet, is there dirt or leaves in a corner? Is there a big group visiting or some event going on? Note where the photographers are so you&#8217;re not taken by surprise and distracted. Judge what the traffic enforcement is like that day &#8211; if there are a dozen troopers along the road it&#8217;s not the time for misbehaving. Sometimes, it&#8217;s better to head off to other roads and come back later.</p>
<div id="attachment_5420" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Deals-gap-view.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5420" class="size-large wp-image-5420" alt="The Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort at the Dragon" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Deals-gap-view-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Deals-gap-view-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Deals-gap-view-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Deals-gap-view-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Deals-gap-view.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5420" class="wp-caption-text">Spend a few minutes observing what&#8217;s going on that day. 10 minutes on the porch at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort will give you a wealth of information.</p></div>
<p><strong>Pause for a few minutes at the end of the run and just observe.</strong> The <a title="Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort" href="http://dealsgap.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort</a> parking lot, the Calderwood Dam overlook, Tabcat Bridge pull-out are good places to spend a few minutes observing, chatting with other riders, and generally getting a feel for the rhythm of what&#8217;s going on. Listen and watch. Traffic tends to come in waves, judge your moment to start your run according to the flow.<br />
____________________________________________________________________</p>
<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<div id="attachment_3356" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3356" class="size-full wp-image-3356 " title="TRT_Logox150" alt="Total Rider Tech Logo" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg" width="150" height="43" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3356" class="wp-caption-text">Learn Total Control</p></div>
<p>Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a> teaching <a title="Learn more about Total Control" href="http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses</a>. Isn&#8217;t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience.  <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a></p>
<p>____________________________________________________________________</p>
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		<title>Tips for Riding the Dragon on your Motorcycle &#8211; #1 Attitude</title>
		<link>http://smokymountainrider.com/5-tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle/</link>
				<comments>http://smokymountainrider.com/5-tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle/#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 02:08:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Wayne Busch]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Deals Gap]]></category>
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				<description><![CDATA[1) Come with the Right Attitude The biggest challenge to riding the Dragon at Deals Gap  on your motorcycle is in your head. It&#8217;s the expectations and beliefs that this road is the place to prove yourself, test your skills, &#8230; <a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/5-tips-riding-dragon-motorcycle/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
								<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>1) <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Come with the Right Attitude</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>The biggest challenge to riding the <a title="Dragon info" href="http://dealsgap.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dragon at Deals Gap</a>  on your motorcycle is in your head.</strong> It&#8217;s the expectations and beliefs that this road is the place to prove yourself, test your skills, and take it to the limit. After all, that&#8217;s what all the hype and publicity is about. No arguments it&#8217;s a challenging stretch of road with some very tight and tricky curves. Odds are, you&#8217;re going to see something that surprises you, something you think is just plain reckless or crazy, and perhaps, something (like another vehicle straying into your lane) that scares the poo out of you. Go in expecting it, ride as if it is going to happen, and always keep a healthy margin of safety in your favor.</p>
<div id="attachment_5405" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-2-locals.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5405" class="size-large wp-image-5405" alt="Motorcycles on the Dragon" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-2-locals-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-2-locals-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-2-locals-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-2-locals-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-2-locals.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5405" class="wp-caption-text">Ride your own ride at your own pace and maintain a healthy margin fo the unexpected.</p></div>
<p><strong>Check that ego and don&#8217;t get caught up in the hype that you&#8217;ve got to attack it with all you&#8217;ve got.</strong> Ride your own ride, at your own pace, and stay within your own limits. Accept there will always be someone faster, crazier, or more aggressive than you and just let them pass on by. If somebody is on your tail, put on your turn signal, give them room, and pull off at the next opportunity. There are plenty of paved spots to pull off or do a roll-through so the maniacs can safely pass. Much better to let them safely pass than get caught up in the carnage if they try to bolt around you on a blind corner and it goes badly. Don&#8217;t fall into the trap of following someone quicker &#8211; they may know the road better, be more experienced, or riding beyond their limits.</p>
<div id="attachment_5407" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-whitle-bike-scrapes.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5407" class="size-large wp-image-5407" alt="Motorcycle on the Dragon" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-whitle-bike-scrapes-1024x680.jpg" width="584" height="387" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-whitle-bike-scrapes-1024x680.jpg 1024w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-whitle-bike-scrapes-300x199.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-whitle-bike-scrapes-451x300.jpg 451w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dragon-whitle-bike-scrapes.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-5407" class="wp-caption-text">Riding on the very edge leaves nothing in reserve for the unexpected. You&#8217;ll get away with it 9 times out of 10, but then&#8230;.</p></div>
<p><strong>Always be ready to just let it go.</strong> It&#8217;s just a motorcycle ride, there&#8217;s no trophy waiting at the end. If you find yourself riding somebodies tail, back off, find a pull off, and take a break until the traffic lets up. The road isn&#8217;t going anywhere. Wait for things to clear out and calm down, then ride your own ride. Getting a clear, unhindered run through the road at your own pace is rare. Don&#8217;t feel disappointed when it doesn&#8217;t happen, odds are it wont.<br />
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<div id="attachment_4780" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4780" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4780" title="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" alt="wayne busch - Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider.com" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" srcset="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-150x150.jpg 150w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-300x300.jpg 300w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64-299x300.jpg 299w, http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/wayne-US64.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-4780" class="wp-caption-text">Wayne Busch</p></div>
<p>&#8211; Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here &#8211;<a title="America Rides Maps" href="http://AmericaRidesMaps.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> AmericaRidesMaps.com</a></p>
<div id="attachment_3356" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3356" class="size-full wp-image-3356 " title="TRT_Logox150" alt="Total Rider Tech Logo" src="http://smokymountainrider.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/TRT_Logox150.jpg" width="150" height="43" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3356" class="wp-caption-text">Learn Total Control</p></div>
<p>Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a> teaching <a title="Learn more about Total Control" href="http://www.totalcontroltraining.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses</a>. Isn&#8217;t it time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely? It can transform your mountain riding experience.  <a title="Learn more about Total Rider Tech" href="http://totalridertech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Rider Tech</a></p>
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